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Full-Text Articles in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Integrative Computational Modeling Of Distinct Binding Mechanisms For Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting Sars-Cov-2 Spike Omicron Variants: Balance Of Evolutionary And Dynamic Adaptability In Shaping Molecular Determinants Of Immune Escape, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Gennady M. Verkhivker May 2025

Integrative Computational Modeling Of Distinct Binding Mechanisms For Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting Sars-Cov-2 Spike Omicron Variants: Balance Of Evolutionary And Dynamic Adaptability In Shaping Molecular Determinants Of Immune Escape, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and four neutralizing antibodies—S309, S304, CYFN1006, and VIR-7229. Using integrative computational modeling that combined all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, mutational scanning, and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, we elucidated the structural, energetic, and dynamic determinants of antibody binding. Our findings reveal distinct dynamic binding mechanisms and evolutionary adaptation driving the broad neutralization effect of these antibodies. We show that S309 targets conserved residues near the ACE2 interface, leveraging synergistic van der Waals and electrostatic interactions, while S304 focuses on …


Antituberculosis Potential Of Borrelidin Derivatives: An In Silico Molecular Docking And Molecular Dynamic Approach, Teni Ernawati, Donny Ramadhan, Faris Hermawan, Sasmito Wulyoadi, Bambang Marwoto, Ahmad Wibisana, Bambang Srijanto Mar 2025

Antituberculosis Potential Of Borrelidin Derivatives: An In Silico Molecular Docking And Molecular Dynamic Approach, Teni Ernawati, Donny Ramadhan, Faris Hermawan, Sasmito Wulyoadi, Bambang Marwoto, Ahmad Wibisana, Bambang Srijanto

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: The present tuberculosis (TB) treatment requires a significant time commitment, often lasting from 6 months to 2 years, with strict daily adherence. Non-compliance leads to drug resistance and suboptimal outcomes. Present research indicates that borrelidin shows potential activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including strains that are resistant to first-line medications. Borrelidin has shown remarkable activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 3.12 μg/mL. Therefore, investigating the inhibition activity of borrelidin derivatives was essential for finding new anti-TB candidates. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of 31 borrelidin derivative compounds …


Mutational Scanning And Binding Free Energy Computations Of The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Complexes With Distinct Groups Of Neutralizing Antibodies: Energetic Drivers Of Convergent Evolution Of Binding Affinity And Immune Escape Hotspots, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Nishank Raisinghani, Gennady M. Verkhivker Feb 2025

Mutational Scanning And Binding Free Energy Computations Of The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Complexes With Distinct Groups Of Neutralizing Antibodies: Energetic Drivers Of Convergent Evolution Of Binding Affinity And Immune Escape Hotspots, Mohammed Alshahrani, Vedant Parikh, Brandon Foley, Nishank Raisinghani, Gennady M. Verkhivker

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence of variants with increased immune evasion capabilities, posing significant challenges to antibody-based therapeutics and vaccines. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive structural and energetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) complexes with neutralizing antibodies from four distinct groups (A–D), including group A LY-CoV016, group B AZD8895 and REGN10933, group C LY-CoV555, and group D antibodies AZD1061, REGN10987, and LY-CoV1404. Using coarse-grained simplified simulation models, rapid energy-based mutational scanning, and rigorous MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms of antibody binding and escape mechanisms, identified key …


Rational Design Of Small Molecules Targeting Mitochondrial Redox Proteins, Matheus Barbosa Belchior Jan 2025

Rational Design Of Small Molecules Targeting Mitochondrial Redox Proteins, Matheus Barbosa Belchior

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in many cellular processes. Despite being a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism, overexpression of these species causes damage to the cell, leading to cell dysfunction. Central to the regulation of these highly reactive molecule is the mitochondria. Impairment in its function has been associated with oxidative stress within the cell. Herein, a ligand-based and structure-based approach to design new small molecules to inhibit mitochondrial redox proteins associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. In the first project two molecules were synthesized and characterized as potential monoamine oxidase B inhibitors. Results showed two …


Broad-Spectrum Activity Of Membranolytic Cationic Macrocyclic Peptides Against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria And Fungi, Sandeep Lohan, Anastasia G. Konshina, Rakesh K. Tiwari, Roman G. Efremov, Innokentiy Maslennikov, Keykavous Parang Apr 2024

Broad-Spectrum Activity Of Membranolytic Cationic Macrocyclic Peptides Against Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria And Fungi, Sandeep Lohan, Anastasia G. Konshina, Rakesh K. Tiwari, Roman G. Efremov, Innokentiy Maslennikov, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains causes severe problems in the treatment of microbial infections owing to limited treatment options. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are drawing considerable attention as promising antibiotic alternative candidates to combat MDR bacterial and fungal infections. Herein, we present a series of small amphiphilic membrane-active cyclic peptides composed, in part, of various nongenetically encoded hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids. Notably, lead cyclic peptides 3b and 4b showed broad-spectrum activity against drug-resistant Gram-positive (MIC = 1.5–6.2 µg/mL) and Gram-negative (MIC = 12.5–25 µg/mL) bacteria, and fungi (MIC = 3.1–12.5 µg/mL). Furthermore, lead peptides displayed substantial antibiofilm action comparable …


Structural Analysis And Activity Correlation Of Amphiphilic Cyclic Antimicrobial Peptides Derived From The [W4R4] Scaffold, Shaima Ahmed El-Mowafi, Anastasia G. Konshina, Eman H. M. Mohammed, Nikolay A. Krylov, Roman G. Efremov, Keykavous Parang Dec 2023

Structural Analysis And Activity Correlation Of Amphiphilic Cyclic Antimicrobial Peptides Derived From The [W4R4] Scaffold, Shaima Ahmed El-Mowafi, Anastasia G. Konshina, Eman H. M. Mohammed, Nikolay A. Krylov, Roman G. Efremov, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

In our ongoing quest to design effective antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), this study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms governing cyclic amphiphilic AMPs and their interactions with membranes. The objective was to discern the nature of these interactions and understand how peptide sequence and structure influence antimicrobial activity. We introduced modifications into the established cyclic AMP peptide, [W4R4], incorporating an extra aromatic hydrophobic residue (W), a positively charged residue (R), or the unique 2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP). This study systematically explored the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of a series of cyclic peptides derived from the [W4R4] scaffold, …